My first cousin (aged 79) died in Germany without leaving a

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My first cousin (aged 79) died in Germany without leaving a will. Her father was my father's brother. Although resident in Germany for around 30 years, she was a U.S.A. citizen.
I am the eldest of 4 cousins who have the same relationship, my sister and 2 sons of 2 other brothers (one being a half brother). I am aged 66, living in Israel. There are no other living relatives.
My question is whether I, as the eldest, would be considered the next of kin or whether all 4 cousins would be entitled to an equal share of the estate (about 25,000 Euros in bank account and insurance policy). If all 4 are entitled, presumably this woud entail all of us providing necessary documents to claim the inheritance.
The case is presently in the hands of the Amstgericht, Hanover. However, I am now receiving outstanding bills relating to the estate.
It will be very difficult to provide most of the documents required in order to obtain the Inheritance Certificate.

Your reply in English would be most gratefully received. Thank you. Frieda Gilmour

Thank you for your quick response, from which I understand that all 4 cousins will have to apply for the inheritance. The court requires many documents as proof of relationship before it considers granting a certificate of inheritance. We are all in our 60s and no longer have documents relating to our parents' births and deaths. According to the Amstgericht Hanover, I have only until mid September to decide whether to decline or accept the inheritance. Nothing further will happen until I do this. Therefore, it is not yet in the hands of the courts. As I understand that inheritance tax is now 30%. Therefore if the amount is to be diveded by 4 after taxes have been paid, it may not be worth the trouble of making the application. Your advice would be appreciated.

I understand that all 4 cousins will have to apply for the inheritance. The court requires many documents as proof of relationship before it considers granting a certificate of inheritance. We are all in our 60s and no longer have documents relating to our parents' births and deaths. According to the Amstgericht Hanover, I have only until mid September to decide whether to decline or accept the inheritance. Nothing further will happen until I do this. Therefore, it is not yet in the hands of the courts. I understand that inheritance tax is now 30%. Therefore if the amount is to be divided by 4 after taxes have been paid, it may not be worth the trouble of making the application. Your advice would be appreciated.